Managing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Constipation

Constipation may be caused by:

1. Some chemotheropy drugs

2. Some drugs used to prevent nausea

3. Some pain medications

4. Stress

5. Lack of exercise / or less activity

To prevent or relieve constipation:

1. Increase the fibre in your diet. Eat vegetables,fruit,and whole grain foods.

2. Increase your fluid intake (occasionally warm fluides may act as a stimulant).

3. Keep as active as you can,mild exercise,walking.

If in spite of these suggestions,you continue to suffer from constipation,or have no bowel movement for more than three days,contact your primary nurse for suggestions. DO NOT take medication for constipation without first contaction your health care team.

Diarrhea

May be caused by:

1. Some chemotheropy drugs

2. Bowel surgery

3. Radiation to the pelvis

4. Some antibiotics

To prevent or relieve diarrhea NOT due to radiation:

1. Drink only clear fluids for 12-24 hours,for example,juice,tea,ginger ale.

2. Gradually add solid foods to your diets.

3. Avoid bowel stimulants such as caffeine.

4. Decrease "gassy foods" and fibre in your diet.

5. Try Lactaid before avoiding dairy products.

Some people experience mild diarrhea 24-48 hours after their chemotheropy treatment.This is usually very mild.

DO NOT take any medication for the diarrhea without contacting your primary nurse of physician.

For diarrhea due to Radiation theropy contact your primary nurse in Radiation theropy.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and one of the most difficult symptoms to deal with during chemotheropy treatment.It usually occurs a few days after the chemotherapy and is to be expected over time as the number of chemotheropy treatments increase.

Fatigue will NOT go away with extra sleep.

Ways to combat the fatigue:

1. Try short,20-39 minute rest periods

2. Balance your rest,physical and social activities

3. Regular light exercise may decrease your fatigue.Walking is an excellent exercise.

4. Try to maintain your regular activities,however,you may need to prioritize your activities so you don't over do it.

5. Some of you may be able to continue working,others may need a leave of absence or decrease your work day.

6. Don't compare yourself to others,work within your own limits- listen to your body.

7. Allow your friends and family to help.

8. Learn to supervise and delgate.

Fever/Chills

This is an uncommon side effect,but more common with some protocols than others.

Mature white blood cells are necessary to help your body fight infection. Fever and chills may be due to an infection caused by decreased white blood counts. This is most common 1-14 days after receiving your chemotherapy.

If you are receiving Bleomycin you may experience a fever the evening of treatment. Plain tylenol should rectify these chills.ASA is NOT recommended.

You will need an inexpensive centigrade thermometer to check your temperature.

You may need to come in to have bloodwork done between chemotheropy courses. Your primary nurse will arrange these appointments for you.

If a low grade fever occurs,( less than 38 degrees centigrade) use 2 plain Tylenol every 4 hours for 8 hours.Recheck your temperature after 2 hours.

If in a period of 24 hours you have a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade three times or a temperature of 38.5 or greater,once,call your primary nurse.If after hours,call the physician.

Contact your Doctor or Nurse IMMEDIATLY if you develop:

1. Shaking/Chills

2. Pain/Burning when urinating

3. Shortness of breath

4. Sever night sweats

5. Coughing

6. Chest pains

7. Fever higher than 38.5 degrees centigrade.

If you cannot contact your primary nurse of physician,go immediately to an emergency room and explain that you are receiving treatment for cancer.

In order to understand what our loved ones are dealing with,we must inform ourselves.
The info on the next few pages will help not only those with cancer understand how to cope...
but also those family members who find themselves wanting more info.